Big screen movies return to Ogden Theatre (now McGraw Center)

McGraw Senior Citizen Center, located at 241 W Walnut Street in the heart of downtown Ogden,  once served as the local theater. William McGraw purchased the Ogden Theatre in June of 1949, showing movies seven nights a week. Ogden Reporter editor Gary Alban, in a tribute to the beloved McGraw wrote:

“There were many nights when nobody appeared.

There were many nights when the admissions didn’t pay the wages for the projectionist, let alone the rental for the film or the lights. Most would, and most did, lock the door when times got that bad. But not Bill McGraw.

“And because of it, numerous kids were kept off the street and out of possible trouble because Bill let them watch the movies free, or he gave them a job - possibly their first job - as a theater projectionist.

“Maybe he was too kind. A family would buy tickets and Bill would give them a “cut rate,” or he’d provide the popcorn free. Or the pop. Or the candy bars.”

Ogden Theatre closed in 1974 when Bill McGraw passed away at the age of 88.

Those fond memories remain with children who grew up in Ogden during those years.

The Ogden Water Buffaloes are hoping to bring family movie time back. 

“We wanted to provide access for everyone to watch a movie,” said Water Buffalo member James Hawcott. “Why not bring movies back to the old Ogden Theatre?” they thought. Hawcott said the McGraw Center Board was extremely excited and supportive about partnering with the community men’s organization. 

The challenge going forward was getting the logistics worked out, beginning with licensing agreements. “Licensing varies with each individual movie, Hawcott explained. “Some media companies are very specific about show dates, time and location.”

How can they work a screen on stage? Drop down screens were extremely expensive. Taking a cue from Ogden Fun Days, the Water Buffaloes checked into an inflatable screen. After taking careful measurements, a 16’ screen was ordered online. Hawcott said it was a perfect fit for the space. It just so happened Iowa State University Surplus had a projector for sale. They acquired a used projector (that priced out at about $5,000 new) for the bargain price of $75! Black Friday gave them an opportunity to purchase a sound bar and two satellite speakers at a nice discount.

Read more in the Jan. 24 issue of The Ogden Reporter.